Bound By Contract

Yuuto's eyes lingered on him for a moment before turning his gaze out of the massive glass window behind him momentarily.

"That's good to hear," Yuuto said, leaning back slightly in his chair, trying to gauge the direction this conversation was about to take.

But he was already vaguely aware of how it would go, considering what took place in the wastelands, that is; Alister being the one responsible for his son's disappearance.

"The Li family has always been strong. Our guild has long valued our relationship with your house—mutual benefits, longstanding trust. I'm sure we'll continue to support each other in the days ahead."

Jian shifted in his seat, the faintest flicker of anger crossing his face before it vanished under his usual mask of stoicism. His tapping fingers stopped. For a moment, he was silent, clearly choosing his next words carefully.

Yuuto raised an eyebrow, noting the change in atmosphere. Jian seemed to be bracing himself.